[r3vo1ution1991]

Hey all, so I'm learning a song right now that is going at 212 BPM throughout the song, and I have to play 8th notes at that tempo (so 16th notes at 106), which isn't too bad, but I can't seem to keep my right upper arm relaxed, so it starts to hurt very quickly. Any advice on how to fix this so I can play those blazing fast songs without losing my arm?

[mathminnick31]

I would try some kind of exercise to work, strengthen and train those muscles. When I couldn't make barre chords, I used a hand/finger exercise device and now they're super easy. So, start with the strengthening.

Also, just daily play (guitar, of course) is a good exercise. Start off with just as much of that up tempo as you can take, then work your way up to longer times

I'm no guitar pro, but I do understand training the human body a bit.

[Ax]

#1. Check your posture.
#2. Try moving the guitar into a more natural position that doesn't bend your wrist.
#3. If you wear your guitar super low, bring it up a bit.

[Bushman]

I was having a hard time doing the mandolin trills for "The Time Has Come" by Hillsong united.
We do it frequently, and I wasn't gettiung any better at it, so I created a slap-back delay at 16th note intervals and put the mix up real high. So I play 1/8th notes and get 1/16th results.
I know it's a cheat but couldn't get the trilling thing yet.

[r3vo1ution1991]

Originally Posted by Ax

#1. Check your posture.
#2. Try moving the guitar into a more natural position that doesn't bend your wrist.
#3. If you wear your guitar super low, bring it up a bit.

I try to stand/sit straight when I play, and I have my guitar slung up pretty high (my teacher taught me well!). Are you referring to my right or left wrist? My left wrist isn't a problem, it's my right upper arm that's the problem (sorry should of clarified)

[Ax]

Originally Posted by r3vo1ution1991

I try to stand/sit straight when I play, and I have my guitar slung up pretty high (my teacher taught me well!). Are you referring to my right or left wrist? My left wrist isn't a problem, it's my right upper arm that's the problem (sorry should of clarified)

is the pain in your strumming hand or fretting hand (right and left only works if I know you're playing from one side or the other )


Either way, your wrist should still be straight. If you're strumming you should be moving your whole arm, if you're picking, moving your fingers.

[r3vo1ution1991]

Originally Posted by Ax

is the pain in your strumming hand or fretting hand (right and left only works if I know you're playing from one side or the other )


Either way, your wrist should still be straight. If you're strumming you should be moving your whole arm, if you're picking, moving your fingers.

my strumming hand! And I'm pretty good about keeping my wrists straight (both arms), but it's only when I'm playing a fast passage/song that I get pain in my upper picking arm (not the forearm, the tricep/bicep area)